2006 Ford Focus
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 3686 |
| 2001 | 1761 |
| 2002 | 939 |
| 2003 | 977 |
| 2004 | 387 |
| 2005 | 440 |
| 2006 | 204 |
| 2007 | 391 |
| 2008 | 250 |
| 2009 | 229 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 113 |
| 2012 | 3755 |
| 2013 | 2103 |
| 2014 | 2586 |
| 2015 | 1007 |
| 2016 | 1174 |
| 2017 | 882 |
| 2018 | 821 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
16% of complaints: air bags — 33 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
My sister was driving my 2006 Ford Focus along a highway. Out of nowhere, the airbag in the side of the driver's seat deployed. This was the only airbag that deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260310
ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012 I WAS IN AUTO ACCIDENT IN WHICH CAR ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES ON THE INTERSTATE SLIDE DOWN INTERSTATE AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN I HAD TO CLIMB OUT THRU DRIVER SIDE WINDOW TO EXIT CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121011
I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN DOING A REVIEW OF SEVERAL INCIDENTS INVOLVING THE FORD FOCUS ONE OF WHICH WAS RELATING TO MY FATHER, WHERE ON INSTANCES THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON THE VEHICLES DURING THE INCIDENCE OF A CRASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060125
16% of complaints: electrical system — 32 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
HELLO NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, I WOULD LIKE TO CREATE A VEHICLE COMPLAINT REGARDING THE FORD FOCUS 2006 SEDAN ZX4 THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE SEPTEMBER 20, 2017.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180514
I PURCHASED A 2006 FORD FOCUS ON 12/3/05, IT HAD 4 MILES ON IT WHEN I DROVE OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP. ON THURSDAY MAY 3, 2006, IT CAUGHT FIRE IN MY CARPORT. THE MILEAGE IS BETWEEN 2,000-3,000 MILES, I BELIEVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060509
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 12 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 — check if this car was fixed
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Ford Focus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E056000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Ford Focus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Ford Focus is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Focus?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford Focus have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.